India Celebrates 79th Independence Day: Key Highlights from PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi’s Addresses
New Delhi, August 15, 2025 – India marked its 79th Independence Day with vibrant celebrations across the nation, highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s record-breaking 103-minute address from the Red Fort and a poignant flag-hoisting ceremony led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Indira Bhavan. Both leaders delivered messages that resonated with distinct visions for India’s future, reflecting on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and addressing contemporary challenges.
PM Modi’s Address from the Red Fort: A Vision for a Self-Reliant India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort for the 12th consecutive time, surpassing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 consecutive Independence Day addresses. In his longest-ever speech, lasting 103 minutes, Modi outlined a roadmap for a self-reliant and prosperous India, emphasizing national security, economic reforms, and technological advancement.
Key Announcements from PM Modi’s Speech:
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Modi announced a decade-long initiative to bolster national security through indigenous technology, aiming to protect strategic and civilian sites by 2035. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, the mission will develop an Iron Dome-like defense system to counter terrorist threats.
- GST Reforms by Diwali: Promising a “Diwali bonanza,” Modi announced next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms to reduce taxes on essential goods, streamline slabs, and provide relief to households, MSMEs, and small vendors.
- Youth Employment Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, backed by a ₹1 lakh crore fund, aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years. First-time private-sector employees will receive ₹15,000 monthly as financial support.
- Indus Water Treaty Review: Modi declared India’s intent to reassess the Indus Water Treaty, citing its adverse impact on Indian farmers. He emphasized that India’s water resources would now prioritize domestic agricultural needs.
- Operation Sindoor and Anti-Terrorism Stance: Referencing the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Modi praised the armed forces for their swift retaliation in Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases across the border. He issued a stern warning against nuclear blackmail and terrorism, stating, “Blood and water will not flow together.”
- Semiconductor and Clean Energy Initiatives: Modi highlighted progress in indigenous semiconductor production, expected to hit the market by year-end, and India’s achievement of 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity ahead of the 2030 target.
Modi also paid tribute to freedom fighters and the makers of the Indian Constitution, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and women contributors like Hansa Mehta. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, stating, “The bedrock of a Viksit Bharat is a self-reliant Bharat.” The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about demographic changes due to infiltration, announcing a high-powered demography mission to safeguard national security and citizens’ rights.
Rahul Gandhi’s Flag-Hoisting at Indira Bhavan: A Call for Unity and Justice
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, led a flag-hoisting ceremony at Indira Bhavan, the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, amidst rainfall. Gandhi’s decision to skip the government’s Red Fort event drew criticism from the BJP, which accused him of disrespecting the nation and armed forces. However, Congress supporters celebrated Gandhi’s resilience, as images of him standing firm during the National Anthem in the rain went viral, garnering over 6 million views and 855,000 likes on Instagram within an hour.
In a statement, Gandhi emphasized the duty to protect India’s independence, saying, “This freedom, achieved through the sacrifices of great freedom fighters, is a resolve to build an India where justice rests on the foundation of truth and equality, and every heart is filled with respect and brotherhood.” His post on X further reiterated the need to safeguard the pride and honor of India’s democratic heritage.
The viral image of Gandhi singing the National Anthem, undeterred by the rain, sparked a heated debate online. Congress supporters claimed it “overshadowed” Modi’s speech, citing higher social media engagement. However, Modi’s address, live-streamed across platforms, reached over 1.3 billion viewers on X alone, with 36,000 reactions, underscoring its massive reach.
Political Reactions and Context
The BJP criticized Gandhi and Kharge for their absence from the Red Fort, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla calling it an “insult to the nation.” In contrast, Congress highlighted Gandhi’s commitment to honoring freedom fighters and fostering unity, framing his actions as a stand for inclusivity. The contrasting events underscored the political divide, with Modi focusing on national security and economic growth, while Gandhi emphasized justice and equality.
A Nation United in Celebration
Across India, the 79th Independence Day was marked by patriotic fervor, with the Tricolour adorning homes and public spaces under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. Modi’s speech, broadcast live on platforms like Times Now, and Gandhi’s symbolic ceremony at Indira Bhavan reflected the diverse ways in which leaders engaged with the occasion. As India looks toward its centennial of independence in 2047, both leaders’ messages underscored the ongoing journey to balance progress, security, and democratic values.
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